Method and apparatus for machining workpieces

Abstract

Method and apparatus providing a tool turret for a machine tool with at least one motor-driven tool that is suitable for machining of wavy or tubular workpieces. The transport of the workpieces from one machining station to the next is effected in a simpler, more reliable, and less expensive fashion, because the machine tool has a tool turret that includes a gripping element for taking hold of, transporting, and positioning workpieces, rather than using an additional tool.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention relates to a method and apparatus for machining workpieces, and more particularly to a machine tool equipped in a novel way with a tool turret to enable machining of wavy or tubular workpieces.[0003]2. Prior Art[0004]EP 0 978 351 A2 describes a device for machining workpieces with at least two adjacently arranged lathes that respectively contain a vertically arranged, rotationally driven work spindle for clamping the workpiece and at least one device for accommodating several machining tools. The rotational axes of all lathes are essentially arranged vertically in this case, and one rotating / pivoting device is respectively provided between the lathes in order to transfer the workpiece from one lathe to the next lathe after each respective machining step is completed. One disadvantage of this arrangement can be seen in the fact that a completely separate lathe with its own control, its own drive, and its ow...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]Consequently, the invention relates to a method and apparatus comprising a machine tool that is designed in such a way that the transport of the workpieces from one machining station to the next machining station can be carried out in a much simpler, more reliable, and less expensive fashion.

Problems solved by technology

One disadvantage of this arrangement can be seen in the fact that a completely separate lathe with its own control, its own drive, and its own miscellaneous equipment must be provided for each machining step that is to be carried out.

Another disadvantage is that a separate rotating / pivoting device needs to be provided for each transfer from one lathe to the next lathe, significantly increases construction expenses.

This device can only be used for machining of very specific workpieces and is particularly unsuitable for any machining of wavy or tubular workpieces.

The gripping element requires its own holding arrangement and its own drive, and frequently obstructs the work region of a machine tool due to the small available space.

In addition, its manufacture is comparatively expensive because the gripping element requires its own holding arrangement and its own drive.

However, the device merely comprises a series of individual elements, in particular gripping elements and a tool turret, but no combination of these elements, so that significant construction expenses and correspondingly high costs result.

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